A MEAT processing plant in North Yorkshire is at the centre of a food safety probe after beefburgers supplied to leading supermarkets were found to contain horsemeat.

Products from the Dalepak Hambleton plant in Northallerton and two other facilities in Ireland were investigated by a food safety watchdog. The burgers were on sale at Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Iceland and Dunnes Stores, but it is not known which plant supplied the contaminated meat.

Last night, after the results of the study, by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) were published, Tesco withdrew the products from sale, calling the incidents “extremely serious”.

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The investigation into the authenticity of a number of beefburger, beef meal and salami products on sale in Ireland, found a number tested positive for horse DNA, something it said was “not in our culture to eat”. In addition, some products were also found to contain pig DNA.

Products from the Dalepak plant and from two plants in Ireland, Liffey Meats and Silvercrest Foods, were tested and horse DNA was found.

Of 27 products analysed, ten were found to contain horse DNA and 23 pig DNA.

Although most samples contained only low amounts of contamination, in one Tesco Everyday Value product, horsemeat accounted for about 29 per cent of the meat content relative to beef.

The FSAI said there was no risk to health, but its chief executive, Professor Alan Reilly, said: “While there is a plausible explanation for the presence of pig DNA in these products due to the fact that meat from different animals is processed in the same meat plants, there is no clear explanation at this time for the presence of horse DNA in products emanating from meat plants that do not use horsemeat in their production process.

“In Ireland, it is not in our culture to eat horsemeat and, therefore, we do not expect to find it in a burger.”

While he did not single out any one particular supplier, Tesco spokesman Tim Smith said: “The safety and quality of our food is of the highest importance to Tesco. We will not tolerate any compromise in the quality of the food we sell.

“The presence of illegal meat in our products is extremely serious. Our customers have the right to expect that food they buy is produced to the highest standards.

“The relevant authorities have said that these findings pose no risk to public health.

"We understand that many of our customers will be concerned by this news, and we apologise sincerely for any distress.”

No one was available for comment at Dalepak’s plant in Leeming Bar.

People phoning the firm who are put on hold hear a recorded message about its “delicious premium, standard and economy burgers... each one produced with care and for quality assurance”.

Provided that is is properly cooked - and not served pink - the likelihood of food poisoning from horse meat is very low. When cooked as a fillet a little rosemary lightens the taste beautifully - though sage also works well. You really ought to try it Doonhamer.

Provided that is is properly cooked - and not served pink - the likelihood of food poisoning from horse meat is very low. When cooked as a fillet a little rosemary lightens the taste beautifully - though sage also works well. You really ought to try it Doonhamer.Voice-of-reality

Provided that is is properly cooked - and not served pink - the likelihood of food poisoning from horse meat is very low. When cooked as a fillet a little rosemary lightens the taste beautifully - though sage also works well. You really ought to try it Doonhamer.

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Ally F
9:15am Wed 16 Jan 13

What do you expect paying a quid for 8 burgers? Do you REALLY think they are finest Aberdeen Angus? The remarkable aspect of this story is that they deteted some meat in the product at all, be it horse, giraffe, kangaroo, dog, cat, etc.

What do you expect paying a quid for 8 burgers? Do you REALLY think they are finest Aberdeen Angus? The remarkable aspect of this story is that they deteted some meat in the product at all, be it horse, giraffe, kangaroo, dog, cat, etc.Ally F

What do you expect paying a quid for 8 burgers? Do you REALLY think they are finest Aberdeen Angus? The remarkable aspect of this story is that they deteted some meat in the product at all, be it horse, giraffe, kangaroo, dog, cat, etc.

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greenfinger
9:26am Wed 16 Jan 13

i had some tesco burgers before i went for a 4 mile run last night. i did it in six minutes and jumped 19 fences.

i had some tesco burgers before i went for a 4 mile run last night. i did it in six minutes and jumped 19 fences.greenfinger

i had some tesco burgers before i went for a 4 mile run last night. i did it in six minutes and jumped 19 fences.

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greenfinger
9:29am Wed 16 Jan 13

i went back for some more........ and they're off!

i went back for some more........ and they're off!greenfinger

i went back for some more........ and they're off!

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borosteve
10:41am Wed 16 Jan 13

I suppose it's horses for first courses! I had a Lidl burger for my tea last night and this morning I awoke feeling a little horse....neigh neigh neigh Mr. Wilks!

I suppose it's horses for first courses! I had a Lidl burger for my tea last night and this morning I awoke feeling a little horse....neigh neigh neigh Mr. Wilks!borosteve

I suppose it's horses for first courses! I had a Lidl burger for my tea last night and this morning I awoke feeling a little horse....neigh neigh neigh Mr. Wilks!

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Butafly
10:51am Wed 16 Jan 13

makes sense to why the iceland burgers a few wks ago made us feel abit yuk for 24hrs,although cooked properly.
i agree with the 8burgers for £1 comment, suppose you get what you pay for yeh! or neigh?

makes sense to why the iceland burgers a few wks ago made us feel abit yuk for 24hrs,although cooked properly.
i agree with the 8burgers for £1 comment, suppose you get what you pay for yeh! or neigh?Butafly

makes sense to why the iceland burgers a few wks ago made us feel abit yuk for 24hrs,although cooked properly.
i agree with the 8burgers for £1 comment, suppose you get what you pay for yeh! or neigh?

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greenfinger
11:06am Wed 16 Jan 13

they didn't last furlong......

they didn't last furlong......greenfinger

they didn't last furlong......

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behonest
11:19am Wed 16 Jan 13

Now we know what happened to Shergar.

doonhamer - do you really hope people will suffer from food poisoning? Are you a dour, miserable Scot by any chance?

Now we know what happened to Shergar.
doonhamer - do you really hope people will suffer from food poisoning? Are you a dour, miserable Scot by any chance?behonest

Now we know what happened to Shergar.

doonhamer - do you really hope people will suffer from food poisoning? Are you a dour, miserable Scot by any chance?

Score: 0

shirt of blue
12:05pm Wed 16 Jan 13

borosteve wrote…

I suppose it's horses for first courses! I had a Lidl burger for my tea last night and this morning I awoke feeling a little horse....neigh neigh neigh Mr. Wilks!

Mr Wilks - a blast from the past - lol

[quote][p][bold]borosteve[/bold] wrote:
I suppose it's horses for first courses! I had a Lidl burger for my tea last night and this morning I awoke feeling a little horse....neigh neigh neigh Mr. Wilks![/p][/quote]Mr Wilks - a blast from the past - lolshirt of blue

borosteve wrote…

I suppose it's horses for first courses! I had a Lidl burger for my tea last night and this morning I awoke feeling a little horse....neigh neigh neigh Mr. Wilks!

Mr Wilks - a blast from the past - lol

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Ally F
1:33pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Not a very nutritional product - very high in fat and shergar.

Not a very nutritional product - very high in fat and shergar.Ally F

Not a very nutritional product - very high in fat and shergar.

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battboy77
1:35pm Wed 16 Jan 13

doonhamer wrote…

Above posts think its a joke, lets hope someone near or dear to them suffers from food poisoning, then we can all have a laugh with them. As for the 3.30am post, what Ward are you in in Broadmoor Matt, man ????

doonhamer you need to lighten up, there only horsing around. Neighhhone can really take this too serious, It's horses for main Courses. i'm gonna hoof it on down to Aldi to see if they have any left. and maybe wash them down with some Red Rum, while watching Neighhhhbours.

[quote][p][bold]doonhamer[/bold] wrote:
Above posts think its a joke, lets hope someone near or dear to them suffers from food poisoning, then we can all have a laugh with them. As for the 3.30am post, what Ward are you in in Broadmoor Matt, man ????[/p][/quote]doonhamer you need to lighten up, there only horsing around. Neighhhone can really take this too serious, It's horses for main Courses. i'm gonna hoof it on down to Aldi to see if they have any left. and maybe wash them down with some Red Rum, while watching Neighhhhbours.battboy77

doonhamer wrote…

Above posts think its a joke, lets hope someone near or dear to them suffers from food poisoning, then we can all have a laugh with them. As for the 3.30am post, what Ward are you in in Broadmoor Matt, man ????

doonhamer you need to lighten up, there only horsing around. Neighhhone can really take this too serious, It's horses for main Courses. i'm gonna hoof it on down to Aldi to see if they have any left. and maybe wash them down with some Red Rum, while watching Neighhhhbours.

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glyn
1:37pm Wed 16 Jan 13

For years I have been asked if I had eaten horse meat and I always said "no, not to my knowledge".

I have always said that you do not know what your eating. Who knows whats in our curries and kebabs.

At the end of the day, as other writers have said, at least customers got some meat and its healthy. No harm done

For years I have been asked if I had eaten horse meat and I always said "no, not to my knowledge".
I have always said that you do not know what your eating. Who knows whats in our curries and kebabs.
At the end of the day, as other writers have said, at least customers got some meat and its healthy. No harm doneglyn

For years I have been asked if I had eaten horse meat and I always said "no, not to my knowledge".

I have always said that you do not know what your eating. Who knows whats in our curries and kebabs.

At the end of the day, as other writers have said, at least customers got some meat and its healthy. No harm done

Given the number of gypsy horses that one often sees outside Iceland and Aldi in Bishop Auckland, is some enterprising young fellow cutting out the middle man? The truth must be told....

Given the number of gypsy horses that one often sees outside Iceland and Aldi in Bishop Auckland, is some enterprising young fellow cutting out the middle man? The truth must be told....Voice-of-reality

Given the number of gypsy horses that one often sees outside Iceland and Aldi in Bishop Auckland, is some enterprising young fellow cutting out the middle man? The truth must be told....

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rat man
3:45pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Tesco's say that they have been saddled with thousands of burgers on their shelves which they cannot sell

Tesco's say that they have been saddled with thousands of burgers on their shelves which they cannot sellrat man

Tesco's say that they have been saddled with thousands of burgers on their shelves which they cannot sell

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rat man
3:53pm Wed 16 Jan 13

I ate one of their burgers and had the trots for a week.

I ate one of their burgers and had the trots for a week.rat man

I ate one of their burgers and had the trots for a week.

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blindgary1
4:00pm Wed 16 Jan 13

29% horse yes i allways wondered why mc donals was built near that meat factory,and the poor farmers of the new forest and dartmoor only got a quid for each pony, i bet they feel ripped off now but saying that the horse meat probaly gave the burger a beefy taste tastes like beef i have eating donkey in pourtugal lovely in a bun .

29% horse yes i allways wondered why mc donals was built near that meat factory,and the poor farmers of the new forest and dartmoor only got a quid for each pony, i bet they feel ripped off now but saying that the horse meat probaly gave the burger a beefy taste tastes like beef i have eating donkey in pourtugal lovely in a bun .blindgary1

29% horse yes i allways wondered why mc donals was built near that meat factory,and the poor farmers of the new forest and dartmoor only got a quid for each pony, i bet they feel ripped off now but saying that the horse meat probaly gave the burger a beefy taste tastes like beef i have eating donkey in pourtugal lovely in a bun .

Score: 0

Bagatino
4:02pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Ah yes, the tiny traces of horsemeat in [some of] these burgers must obviously account for the various cases of food poisoning that may or may not have occured over the past one day to period. It's nothing to do with the fact that it was undercooked/of extremely low quality/just another appalling excuse for a meal etc...

It is of course, totally unfathomable that horse meat is perfectly safe to eat if cooked properly. If only it were the same for beef, pork, chick- ... oh... hold on a minute...

Ah yes, the tiny traces of horsemeat in [some of] these burgers must obviously account for the various cases of food poisoning that may or may not have occured over the past one day to period. It's nothing to do with the fact that it was undercooked/of extremely low quality/just another appalling excuse for a meal etc...
It is of course, totally unfathomable that horse meat is perfectly safe to eat if cooked properly. If only it were the same for beef, pork, chick- ... oh... hold on a minute...Bagatino

Ah yes, the tiny traces of horsemeat in [some of] these burgers must obviously account for the various cases of food poisoning that may or may not have occured over the past one day to period. It's nothing to do with the fact that it was undercooked/of extremely low quality/just another appalling excuse for a meal etc...

It is of course, totally unfathomable that horse meat is perfectly safe to eat if cooked properly. If only it were the same for beef, pork, chick- ... oh... hold on a minute...

Score: 0

battboy77
4:07pm Wed 16 Jan 13

I wish people would just stop nagging about this!!! I would love to voice my opinion in public but quite frankly my throats a bit horse.

I wish people would just stop nagging about this!!! I would love to voice my opinion in public but quite frankly my throats a bit horse.battboy77

I wish people would just stop nagging about this!!! I would love to voice my opinion in public but quite frankly my throats a bit horse.

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loan_star
5:07pm Wed 16 Jan 13

I went to buy some burgers from Tesco but it was a mare finding any!

I went to buy some burgers from Tesco but it was a mare finding any!loan_star

I went to buy some burgers from Tesco but it was a mare finding any!

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rat man
5:21pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Have you tried Tesco's new Fillydelphia cheese to compliment the their burger range?

Have you tried Tesco's new Fillydelphia cheese to compliment the their burger range?rat man

Have you tried Tesco's new Fillydelphia cheese to compliment the their burger range?

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tomtopper
5:22pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Forget the Tesco burgers... Have you tried the meatballs? They're the dogs ****..

Forget the Tesco burgers... Have you tried the meatballs? They're the dogs ****..tomtopper

Forget the Tesco burgers... Have you tried the meatballs? They're the dogs ****..

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rat man
5:26pm Wed 16 Jan 13

FSA say they are now testing Tesco and Lidl horseradish sauce for traces of beef!

FSA say they are now testing Tesco and Lidl horseradish sauce for traces of beef!rat man

FSA say they are now testing Tesco and Lidl horseradish sauce for traces of beef!

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rat man
6:20pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Burgers on sale in Iceland Stores have now been implicated. Clearly, this is just the tip of the iceburger!

Burgers on sale in Iceland Stores have now been implicated. Clearly, this is just the tip of the iceburger!rat man

Burgers on sale in Iceland Stores have now been implicated. Clearly, this is just the tip of the iceburger!

Score: 0

rat man
7:51pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Following the success of food products endorsed by the likes of Linda Mc Cartney, Paul Newman, and LLoyd Grossman Tesco's have announced that their new range of Frankie Dettori burgers and meat balls will be on their shelves by the weekend. They have assured customers that unlike Frankie, this new range will not contain any banned substances.

Following the success of food products endorsed by the likes of Linda Mc Cartney, Paul Newman, and LLoyd Grossman Tesco's have announced that their new range of Frankie Dettori burgers and meat balls will be on their shelves by the weekend. They have assured customers that unlike Frankie, this new range will not contain any banned substances.rat man

Following the success of food products endorsed by the likes of Linda Mc Cartney, Paul Newman, and LLoyd Grossman Tesco's have announced that their new range of Frankie Dettori burgers and meat balls will be on their shelves by the weekend. They have assured customers that unlike Frankie, this new range will not contain any banned substances.

Score: 0

spragger
9:04pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Tesco's gallop by the competition after another stable year

Tesco's gallop by the competition after another stable yearspragger

Tesco's gallop by the competition after another stable year

Score: 0

Voice-of-reality
10:54pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Surely the government is to blame... if fox hunting had been allowed again there would be work for the hunt horses and they would not need to be recycled so young.

Surely the government is to blame... if fox hunting had been allowed again there would be work for the hunt horses and they would not need to be recycled so young.Voice-of-reality

Surely the government is to blame... if fox hunting had been allowed again there would be work for the hunt horses and they would not need to be recycled so young.

Score: 0

theWorkerScum
11:02pm Wed 16 Jan 13

Didn't realise there were so many comedians in the north east. I think it appalling I only like eating animals that aren't cute.

Didn't realise there were so many comedians in the north east. I think it appalling I only like eating animals that aren't cute.theWorkerScum

Didn't realise there were so many comedians in the north east. I think it appalling I only like eating animals that aren't cute.

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greenfinger
9:04am Thu 17 Jan 13

the mrs asked if i wanted anything on my tesco burger. i said "yeah i'll have a fiver each way please".

the mrs asked if i wanted anything on my tesco burger. i said "yeah i'll have a fiver each way please".greenfinger

the mrs asked if i wanted anything on my tesco burger. i said "yeah i'll have a fiver each way please".

Score: 0

Heretic
9:18am Thu 17 Jan 13

The Aldi horse burgers were nice, but I prefer my Lidl pony.

The Aldi horse burgers were nice, but I prefer my Lidl pony.Heretic

The Aldi horse burgers were nice, but I prefer my Lidl pony.

Score: 0

Heretic
9:20am Thu 17 Jan 13

Breaking news: Uniquorn found in Tesco veggie burgers.

Breaking news: Uniquorn found in Tesco veggie burgers.Heretic

Breaking news: Uniquorn found in Tesco veggie burgers.

Score: 0

tomtopper
11:24am Thu 17 Jan 13

I've had it up to here with these tesco horse burger jokes.
They're only for fools......... and horses.

I've had it up to here with these tesco horse burger jokes.
They're only for fools......... and horses.tomtopper

I've had it up to here with these tesco horse burger jokes.
They're only for fools......... and horses.

Score: 0

tomtopper
11:26am Thu 17 Jan 13

And to everyone posting jokes about Tesco burgers.... Could you also mention Lidl, Aldi, Waitrose and Iceland as it seems only fair.

It's not a one horse race, you know

And to everyone posting jokes about Tesco burgers.... Could you also mention Lidl, Aldi, Waitrose and Iceland as it seems only fair.
It's not a one horse race, you knowtomtopper

And to everyone posting jokes about Tesco burgers.... Could you also mention Lidl, Aldi, Waitrose and Iceland as it seems only fair.

It's not a one horse race, you know

Score: 0

fracker
11:51am Thu 17 Jan 13

now i know where the horses i backed finished up!!

now i know where the horses i backed finished up!!fracker

now i know where the horses i backed finished up!!

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fracker
11:51am Thu 17 Jan 13

now i know where the horses i backed finished up!!

now i know where the horses i backed finished up!!fracker

now i know where the horses i backed finished up!!

Score: 0

hullgodfreyshire
7:25pm Thu 17 Jan 13

they asked me if I had eaten any of their burgers
I relied "neigh laddie neigh

they asked me if I had eaten any of their burgers
I relied "neigh laddie neighhullgodfreyshire

they asked me if I had eaten any of their burgers
I relied "neigh laddie neigh

Score: 0

Lifetime Townie
8:30pm Thu 17 Jan 13

What's the problem with eating horsemeat, it was a wartime food for some people and were glad to eat it.
Lets have more of it!

What's the problem with eating horsemeat, it was a wartime food for some people and were glad to eat it.
Lets have more of it!Lifetime Townie

What's the problem with eating horsemeat, it was a wartime food for some people and were glad to eat it.
Lets have more of it!

Score: 0

Oaky
12:45pm Sun 20 Jan 13

I heard there were complaints in France some time ago when some of their horseburgers had traces of beef in them.

I heard there were complaints in France some time ago when some of their horseburgers had traces of beef in them.Oaky

I heard there were complaints in France some time ago when some of their horseburgers had traces of beef in them.

Score: 0

Longbowman666
6:37pm Sun 20 Jan 13

This scandal simply just goes to show that you really can flog a dead horse!

This scandal simply just goes to show that you really can flog a dead horse!Longbowman666

This scandal simply just goes to show that you really can flog a dead horse!

Score: 0

Oaky
6:48pm Sun 20 Jan 13

You can actually buy horse meat online but it's quite expensive. That's the only reason I haven't tried it.

You can actually buy horse meat online but it's quite expensive. That's the only reason I haven't tried it.Oaky

You can actually buy horse meat online but it's quite expensive. That's the only reason I haven't tried it.

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